Innovative Thinking Requires a Work Break

Many of us hear the word vacation, and we automatically think of a million reasons why we can’t take a one. We get stressed at the idea of leaving our work behind for a week, and about the problems we will come back to; but we don’t think of the many benefits taking a vacation can give to us. Vacations don’t have to be about expensive resorts, traveling across the country or spending a lot of money. Vacations provide a time to relax, renew and reconnect. They allow us to break away from the daily grind and see life from a different perspective. With a little planning at the forefront of time off, we can ensure that when on vacation we won’t be worrying about our work back at the office, but we will be enjoying our time out of work. Workplace stress is at an all time high and without time off to “recharge,” stress can become unmanageable; therefore, regular vacations can help lower stress levels. But perhaps one of the most important benefits of vacation is the increase in job productivity and quality of work. Former NASA scientists, working on behalf of Air New Zealand and using testing tools normally reserved for astronauts, recently found that vacationers experienced an 82% increase in job performance post-trip according to an article reported on BusinessWeek.com.

How to Plan for Vacation at Work

1. If you’re the boss, it all starts with you. You have to make a commitment to yourself and to your employees by setting an example and the tone of the importance of vacations. The place shouldn’t fall apart without you. If it will, maybe it’s time to rethink your staffing choices. Hire people you can train and trust to give you the break you deserve, while still ensuring your business thrives when you’re away.

1. Designate a back-up. Select a colleague who will be able to answer any questions about your projects while you’re away. Brief that person on your projects and make sure you offer to do the same while your back-up goes on vacation. Give contact information to one person. Instead of telling everyone how to reach you, let one person know where you’ll be. He or she can funnel requests to determine if you really need to be bothered while away.

1. Change voicemail and e-mail greetings. Change greetings on your phone and e-mail accounts to indicate you will be out of touch. It’s bad business not to return calls, but if you let clients know you’re away and who to contact in your absence, they won’t feel ignored. And most selfishly, it’ll save you from getting scores of messages filled with requests that can be taken care of while you are away.

1. If you must check in, pledge to only do so once per day. And, if it is an absolute imperative to take work with you, choose an hour a day for solid work, then let it go for the rest of the day.

Innovation is key in a successful business. Taking the time to refresh will give you a different perspective. Make a commitment to yourself, your boss and your family to break away and recharge, returning to work with new ideas for success.